Friday, January 2, 2009

Old School Photography (Part 1)

We've had our digital camera for a year now, and I love it. But I'm reading the Owner's Manual for the third time now (it's an SLR) to understand it. In the pre-digital days I loved B&W film in my old SLR. Still needed color using the automatic modes for family duties, but for fun I'd play with B&W. I recently realized I missed it, so I dusted off my gear (literally), mixed up new chemicals and am back in the saddle for a little ride. I realize I love BOTH cameras. Yesterday I went to a neighboring town to walk around and shoot. Set the SLR on manual and used it's light metering only. Felt odd setting aperature and shutter speed for each shot after considering what results I wanted for each photo. Clumsy but it comes back. I'm the one in charge, not the camera's computer that's trying to second guess me. I think I'll give up my digital camera . . . . naa.

John, those were still the good old days! I still have my Minolta 600si with a large telephoto lens plus wide angle and micro lenses. Something you can't get with the digital cameras unless you get into the digital SLR's and they are way out of my price range. I also did all my own B&W processing back in the 50's and 60's. Many good memories back then.

Old school is cool ... I remember doing processing in J-school ... but new school can be a lot of fun, too. I finally got a grown up Nikon SLR a few weeks ago after having 3 digital point and shoots over the years. I love it for taking reference photos to use for some of my studio paintings.

Getting this SLR is like coming home again after all the film Nikons we had for so long. Have fun with all of yours ...

Hey John - cool journal post. I took a photography course when I was in high school and learned to develop B&W film (and roll my own) too. Of course, that was MANY years ago - but what I remember was watching the paper in the developing solution and the magic as the photo started to appear. I haven't thought of that in a long time!

John! You are mean! I lost my FE2 years ago. I did so many b&w and developed them in my kitchen. Do not hassle me about Grease. It was super clean.I just went into a Hunt's store to dream of another FE2. The chemicals the loader. All they had was the FM2 and the new Nikon. I have a Nikon D40x. All digital.It so easy digital!

I am going to go and cry for long time now.((( Circle of Nikon Hugs)))

Timely topic for me. I had a coolpix for a few years and that was fine but I like many others was using a 35MM and developing/printing my own bl/wh. I got a digital SLR in Sept and am not as happy with the bl/wh as the 35MM. Perhaps it's my photoshop skills that are really lacking! LOL! Anyhow, I have heard others comment much the same. I am persistently trying to make the digital work!

Nicely done post!! I learned B&W processing and printing at Community College, too, after I bought a Kalimar K-1000 (yep, a Pentax knock-off). Bulk loading is THE way to go! I liked Ilford Delta 400 for most 35mm stuff. Developed mine in the bathtub. Had a darkroom at a friend's house when the kids were in a playpen. It's in my basement, wrapped up from dust, now...waiting patiently.

About Me

Well, the kids have flown the nest and the wife and I get to relax a little. Sketch journaling struck my fancy so that's what I'm doing. Give me a sketchbook, pens, water brush and WC pencils and I'm a happy guy.